Hawks Headlines: Kruger Still Hoping for Long-Term Contract

Receive the latest madhouse-enforcer updates in your inbox

In this edition of Hawks Headlines, we take a look at the contract status of one of the Chicago Blackhawks’ most important players, the date that preseason game tickets will go on sale for contests at the United Center, and what one national writer says about the team’s offseason moves.

-We start out with an interesting report out about center Marcus Kruger, who opted against salary arbitration this summer in the hope of getting a long-term deal done with the Blackhawks. According to Scott Powers, Kruger is remaining patient as he waits for the team to clear the cap space to sign him, but he will sign a one-year deal if necessary. [ESPN Chicago]

-If you’re looking to score tickets to a Blackhawks preseason game, those will go on sale on Monday morning at 10 a.m. The Hawks have three home games during the slate, with the Red Wings, Blues, and Stars all coming to town. [Blackhawk Up]

-Will Patrick Kane win the Art Ross Trophy? Will Duncan Keith live up to expectations next season? Kyle Morton weighs in with some bold predictions for the 2015-16 Blackhawks. [The Hockey Writers]

-With trades sending Patrick Sharp and Brandon Saad away and a cap crunch that forced the team to say goodbye to free agent Johnny Oduya, just how has the Hawks’ offseason been perceived on a national level? Chris Peters weighs in with his offseason grade for Chicago. [CBS Sports]

-In NHL news, Brandon Sutter was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks in a trade that sent former Blackhawks prospect Adam Clendening to the Pittsburgh Penguins. [NHL.com]

-Finally, a disturbing trend has started to emerge as players agree to long-term contracts: they’re adding lockout protection to their deals. Both the NHLPA and league owners have the option to opt out of the current contract following the 2019-20 season, and while there are five years remaining on the deal, things could go south in a hurry. [SI.com]